2018 was the most successful season in Boston Red Sox history, capped off by a World Series Championship.
There are a lot of things to celebrate from the 2018 Boston Red Sox season. Going 108-54 under first year manager Alex Cora is a huge accomplishment in it of itself, considering that the 2018 Red Sox set a new franchise record in wins, breaking the previous mark set at 105 wins during the 1912 season.
After a dominating regular season, the Red Sox put it in another gear once the calendar changed to October. Boston went 11-3 and steamrolled through the playoffs, taking down rival New York Yankees, the defending World Series Champion Houston Astros, and the reigning National League Champion Los Angeles Dodgers to win the 9th World Series in franchise history.
Now, in the most successful Red Sox season in franchise history there are countless big moments and plays. Here we take a look at the top 10 moments of the 2018 World Champion Boston Red Sox.
10. Brock Holt cycle in ALDS Game 3 against NYY
October 8 – ALDS Game 3
In a game where the Red Sox would ultimately end up winning 16-1, Brock Holt made playoff history. He became the first player in MLB history to hit for the cycle in a post season game.
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Holt picked up a single in the 4th inning off starter Luis Severino. He would end up scoring the first of 7 runs in that inning, after the Red Sox chased Severino and Lance Lynn from the game in the 4th. Holt picked up his second hit of the night, a triple , off Chad Green driving in 2 and giving the Red Sox a 10-0 lead.
The Red Sox would explode for 3 more runs in the top of the 8th inning. Brock Holt got the scoring started after a ground rule double off Stephen Tarpley scored Rafael Devers. Brock Holt would get another opportunity to complete Postseason history. He walked up to the plate in the top of the 9th with one goal in mind. The Yankees had Neil Walker on the mound with the score being 14-1. First pitch Brock Holt took the second basemen deep and over the right field fence, completing history, driving in Ian Kinsler in the process.
Holt ended up 4-6, with 5 RBI and 3 runs from the 7 spot in the lineup. This game gave the Red Sox a 2-1 lead over division rivals in the ALDS. The 16-1 victory and Holt’s performance really took a toll on the Yankees, as the Red Sox would end their season the next day with a 4-3 Game 4 victory.
9. Trade deadline acquisitions by Dave Dombrowski
All season long, the Red Sox had one weakness, bullpen pitching. When the trade deadline came up at the end of July, President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski had some tough decisions to make.
Domebrowski made 2 moves within the last week of the end if July, acquiring pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and second basemen Ian Kinsler. Dombrowski also traded for Steve Pearce on June 29th.
Steve Pearce was a great addition to this Red Sox team. He was a great role player and could be used at multiple positions in the infield. The Pearce addition proved to be a very important one, as he was named World Series MVP after his 3 home runs in games 4 and 5. In 50 games during the regular season with Boston, Pearce put up a .279 batting average with a .901 OPS with 7 HR and 26 RBI. During the postseason, Pearce was 11/38 for a .289 batting average, scoring 12 runs, hitting 4 home runs and driving in 11.
Ian Kinsler was a veteran move that added depth to this team and some experience off the bench. In 37 games for the Red Sox, Kinsler had a .242 batting average with a .604 OPS. Kinsler also went deep once, drove in 16 runs and scored 17 times. In the postseason, he may ultimately be remembered for his error in Game 4 of the World Series where he threw the ball away and allowed the Dodgers to tie the game in the bottom of the 9th inning. Kinsler went 7/34 for a .205 average, scored 4 runs and drove in 3. His stats may not stand out that much, but his veteran presence and ability to come off the bench in multiple situations proved helpful.
Nathan Eovaldi was probably the best acquisition for Dombrowski this season. In a trade where the Red Sox sent Jayleen Beeks back to the Tampa Bay Rays, the Red Sox may have found their newest weapon. Nathan Eovaldi was lights out for the Red Sox during his tenure in 2018.
In 12 regular season games, the right hander made 11 starts and posted a 3.33 ERA, giving up 12 walks and striking out 48 batters. Eovaldi went 3-3 for the Red Sox in the regular season. Once the playoffs came, he shifted gears and went into another level. In 6 games, he made only 2 starts. Eovaldi went 2-1, with a magnificent 1.61 ERA, giving up 3 walks and striking out 16 batters in 22.1 innings of work. His biggest highlight with the Red Sox was when he pitched 6 innings on 97 pitches in the longest World Series game ever, Game 3 against the Dodgers.
Eovaldi was a machine out of the pen and even told manager Alex Cora he was available if need be in the next game. Keeping Nathan Eovaldi should be the Red Sox biggest goal heading into this offseason, as he hits the open market and should demand a payday given his remarkable performance with the Boston Red Sox.
8. Signing Alex Cora to be the new manager.
On October 22, 2017, the Red Sox announced that their next manager would be Alex Cora. After 5 years of John Farrell, Red Sox management thought it was time for a change. Alex Cora was the perfect replacement, shifting the culture in the Red Sox clubhouse and giving the players someone they felt that they could be friendly with, something Farrell could not do.
Alex Cora was a great manager for the Red Sox in 2018, winning a franchise record 108 games and more importantly, winning their 9th World Series, and 4 in the past 15 years.
Cora provided great leadership and owned up to his mistakes, something the former manager never really seemed to do. Cora created a family in the clubhouse, giving the players something they could get behind. The players simply believed in Cora, and it paid off.
Hopefully Alex Cora can be the manager here long-term. The team can do some serious damage over the next few years if they keep the core of their team together, starting with the manager.
7. Comeback against Atlanta Braves 9-8
September 5 – Boston Red Sox @ Atlanta Braves
In their last game playing by National League rules (until the World Series) the Boston Red Sox sent Hector Velazquez to the mound to oppose the Atlanta Braves’ Mike Foltynewicz. Velazquez let up two runs in his 4 innings of work and gave way to Drew Pomeranz in the 5th inning. It got very ugly once the big lefty entered the game. In 0.1 innings pitched, Pomeranz let up 5 runs on 3 hits, walking 2 on 28 pitches. Alex Cora had to dig deep into his bullpen going through William Cuevas and Bobby Poyner for the next two innings, bringing us to the 8th.
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With new pitcher Dan Winkler on the mound for the Braves, the Red Sox offense took over. The inning was led off by a Christian Vazquez single to right field. Tzu-Wei Lin followed with his own single, to left field, giving the Red Sox runners on first and second with Jackie Bradley Jr. coming up. Bradley Jr. would load the bases with his own single, as the Red Sox were threatening for the first time since the 2nd inning. Winkler was then chased from the game, as Blake Swihart hit a double to deep right field, scoring 2 still with no outs.
With lefty Andrew Benintendi due up next, the Braves went to a lefty of their own in Jonny Venters. The matchup would work in Boston’s favor, as Benintendi would drive in JBJ, bringing the score to 7-4.
Steve Pearce would then pinch hit for Mitch Moreland and make the first out, but also driving in the Red Sox 5th run of the game. Brandon Phillips would then reach on a throwing error, and after Ian Kinsler was announced as the pinch hitter for Rafael Devers, the Braves would dig into their bullpen yet again; bringing in right handed specialist Brad Brach.
Ian Kinsler would then tie the game with an RBI single. The Red Sox managed to scrape together 6 runs in the inning as it was a whole new ballgame heading into the bottom of the 8th inning. Brandon Workman would be the new pitcher on the mound for Boston.
After two quick outs, Freddie Freeman would take the lead back for the Braves due to a solo shot to right field, giving the Braves an 8-7 lead heading into the 9th inning. With closer A.J. Minter on the mound for the Braves, they looked to close the game out. After getting Swihart to pop out, Minter gave up a single to Benintendi. Steve Pearce would then strike out looking, leaving the Red Sox to their final out. Brandon Phillips turned on the first pitch he saw and took the Braves closer deep, giving the Red Sox a 9-7 lead.
The Boston Red Sox would bring in their own closer in Craig Kimbrel for the bottom of the 9th inning. Kimbrel would pick up his 38th save of the season, sealing a roller coaster of a victory for the Sox. It was truly an amazing comeback by the Red Sox, proving that you could never really count them out no matter how many runs they were down.
6. Red Sox complete 4 game sweep of Yankees in August
In the first week of August, the Boston Red Sox welcomed the rival Yankees into Fenway for a crucial 4 game series. Heading into this series, the Yankees were 5.5 games back of Boston in the AL East, putting some pressure on the Red Sox. Well, Boston completely dominated New York the whole weekend, sweeping the Yankees out-of-town, outscoring them 28-13 and most importantly, burying the Yankees in the division, expanding the lead to 9.5 games.
In the first game of the series, Steve Pearce lit up the scoreboard bashing 3 Home runs and driving in 6 in the Red Sox 15-7 win. Boston was all over the Yankee bullpen, tagging them for 13 runs, and 16 hits in 5 innings of work. Mookie Betts was also 4-4 with 3 runs, 2 walks and 1 RBI.
Game 2 of this 4 game series was all Red Sox yet again. Rick Porcello pitched a complete game on only 86 pitches. The Red Sox righty went the full 9, striking out 9 and only giving up 1 hit, a solo shot to Miguel Andujar in the top of the third inning. Steve Pearce continued his power surge, blasting a 2 run home run in the bottom of the first inning, jumping on Luis Severino early. This game was all Porcello, as this was his only complete game of the 2018 campaign, picking up his 14th win along the way, as the Red Sox won 4-1.
In Game 3 of this weekend series, Red Sox starting pitching was dominant yet again. Nathan Eovaldi went 8 scoreless innings, giving up 3 hits , walking only 1 and fanning 4. The Red Sox bats went deep yet again, as Mitch Moreland got the scoring started in the 1st with a 2 run home run, followed by a solo shot from J.D. Martinez in the 4th. This game would have been a shutout if not for Craig Kimbrel allowing a run in the top of the 9th inning. The closer could hold on and help his team secure a victory.
The last game of the weekend series came on Sunday, August 5. The starting pitching matchup was David Price vs Masahiro Tanaka. Price threw 6 solid innings but had to come out in the top of the 7th after allowing the first two Yankees to reach. Heath Hembree came in, and after a throwing error by Xander Bogearts, the Yankees claimed a 2-1 lead. Hembree then gave up an RBI single to Giancarlo Stanton and was then pulled for Ryan Brasier.
Brasier picked up the final two outs of the inning, but it cost the Boston Red Sox another run, giving the Yankees a 4-1 lead. Heading into the 9th inning, New York still carried a 4-1 lead with closer Aroldis Chapman on the mound. After getting two outs, and 2 walks, Steve Pearce drew a walk to load the bases. J.D. Martinez delivered a 2 run single, bringing the Red Sox within 1 run. Xander Bogearts hit a little dribbler to third, and after a throwing error from Andujar, the Red Sox tied the game up 4-4 as the rubber match went to extra innings.
After Matt Barnes pitched a 1-2-3 top of the 10th, the Red Sox bats looked to pick up where they left off. The Yankees sent Jonathan Holder to the mound. Holder picked up 2 quick outs, but then Sandy Leon hit a single, giving the Red Sox life. Leon then took second base on a wild pitch. With first base open, the Yankees intentionally walked Mookie Betts.
Tony Renda was then called for the pinch runner for Leon, as speed was everything in this scenario. Red Sox out fielder Andrew Benintendi then hit a ball to center field, scoring Renda and completing the comeback win, and sweeping the Yankees in the process. This weekend series was huge, as the Red Sox never really looked over their shoulder again for the rest of the season, as they stung the hearts of the Yankees with a 4 game sweep.
5. Mookie Betts wins AL MVP
On Thursday, Major League Baseball announced both the National League and American League Most Valuable Players. Mookie Betts was a finalist in the AL, along with Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels and Cleveland Indians’ Jose Ramirez.
Mookie Betts received 28 first place votes en route to his first MVP of his young career. 2018 was the best season of the 26 year old’s professional career. Betts had 32 home runs, 80 RBI and 30 stolen bases in only 136 games.
The MVP also carried a career high .346 batting average, with a .438 on base percentage, .640 slugging percentage which combined for a 1.078 OPS. Betts also scored a team high 129 runs. Betts also led the team with 47 doubles batting average, OPS, and stolen bases. Mookie Betts did this all from the lead off spot and was the first player in the American League to ever win the Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, and MVP award; all while winning the World Series.
Betts winning the MVP is the icing on the cake to the Red Sox phenomenal 2018 campaign, becoming the first Boston Red Sox player to win the prestigious award since Dustin Pedrioa in 2008 and became the 12 player in team history to take home the MVP. Betts definitely has potential to repeat agin in 2019, we’ll just have to wait and see how that plays out.
4. David Price’s Game 2 start of the World Series
October 24 – Los Angeles Dodgers @ Boston Red Sox
Game 2 of the 2018 World Series featured David Price vs Hyun- Jin Ryu. With the series headed back to LA for 3 games, the Red Sox had pressure on them to secure a 2-0 lead. David Price got his 4th start of the 2018 playoffs, and first since winning the ALCS clinching game against the Houston Astros.
Price was dominant in Game 2 in front of the Fenway faithful, throwing 6 innings, allowing 2 earned, giving up 3 hits, 3 walks and striking out 5, picking up his first World Series win in his career. Price ended his night by retiring 7 Dodgers before handing it over to the bullpen , who then retired the last 9 LA batters, sealing a 4-2 victory for the Red Sox. This was Price’s biggest start of his career to date.
3. Steve Pearce Home Run in Game 4 of World Series
October 27 – Boston Red Sox @ Los Angeles Dodgers
After a marathon 18 inning, 7 hour 20 minute game, the Red Sox found themselves with a 2-1 World Series lead. Game 4 was a very crucial game, as the Dodgers could tie up the series with a win and the Red Sox could grab a demanding 3-1 lead.
The Red Sox found themselves trailing 4-0 entering the 7th inning. Mitch Moreland hit a 3-run home run with 2 outs of Ryan Madson, bringing the Sox within 1 run entering the 8th. Steve Pearce delivered a clutch solo home run in the 8th off elite closer Kenly Jansen, tying the game at 4. The Red Sox bats would then explode in the top of the 9th, as Rafael Devers delivered an RBI single, giving the Sox their first lead of the night.
Steve Pearce would deliver yet again, driving in a bases clearing double and giving the Sox an 8-4 lead. Xander Bogearts would score Pearce 2 batters later with a single, giving the Red Sox an 9-4 win, which they would hold on to and take a 3-1 World Series lead.
Pearce was 2-4 , with 4 RBI, 2 runs and 1 clutch home run. The Boston Red Sox were 1 win away from baseball glory, sending David Price to the mound in Game 5 facing Clayton Kershaw.
2. Red Sox Game 4 win in ALCS against Astros
October 17 – Boston Red Sox @ Houston Astros
This game had multiple storylines throughout. There was a controversial fan interference call in the first inning. Jose Altuve hit what looked to be a home run that would’ve given the Astros a 2-0 early lead. Mookie Betts jumped at the perfect time and was poised to make the catch until a fan caused his glove to close prematurely. After review, the umpires deemed Altuve out on fan interference.
Mookie Betts had another big play come his way later in the game. With the Astros trailing 8-5 in the after leads were given and taken away essentially the whole game up to this point. Leading off the 8th for Houston was the speedy Tony Kemp. He hit a little dribbler down the first base line, that hit the corner wall shortly behind first base and the batter turned the corner, heading for second, desperate to spark the Houston offense down 3 runs.
Mookie Betts came charging in, grabbed the ball and made a spinning throw where he never really saw his target. Betts absolutely gunned the ball to second base, beating the runner and recording the first out. It was truly an amazing play and haulted any potential momentum the Astros could have gotten from a leadoff double.
With the Red Sox up 8-6 entering the home half of the 9th inning, Alex Cora brought in Craig Kimbrel to close the game out. After getting the lead off batter to foul out, Kimbrel would then walk Josh Reddick and Carlos Correa consecutively, giving the Astros runners on first and second with only 1. Kimbrel got the catcher Brian McCann to pop out, but also advancing Reddick to third base.
Tony Kemp then drew a walk, loading the bases for Houston and putting all of Red Sox Nation on the edge of their seats, especially given the fact that Alex Bregman was due up next. Bregman turned on the first pitch he saw and hit a narrow line drive to left field. Andrew Benintendi decided to go all out and dive for the ball, catching it and ending the game. Kimbrel was the most relieved, as his outfielder bailed him out, but most importantly, gave the Red Sox a 3-1 ALCS lead and putting them one win away from a World Series berth.
1. Winning the World Series
October 28 – Boston Red Sox vs Los Angeles Dodgers
The Boston Red Sox squared off with the defending National League Champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Carrying a 3-1 series lead into Game 5, both teams sent a lefty to the mound. The Red Sox went with David Price, while the Dodgers countered with ace Clayton Kershaw.
The Red Sox struck early, with eventual World Series MVP Steve Pearce blasting a 2- run home run in the first inning. The Dodgers responded with a solo shot of their own in the home half of the first with a solo shot from David Freese, bringing the Dodgers within 1 run early in a win or go home scenario.
David Price was locked in after the Freese home run. Price picked up 5 strikeouts, while giving up 2 hits and surrendering 2 walks until he was pulled in the bottom of the 8th inning for Joe Kelly. Price left the game with his team leading 5-1, thanks to solo shots from Mookie Betts in the 6th, J.D. Martinez in the 7th and Steve Pearce in the 8th inning. Joe Kelly recorded 3 strikeouts after coming in for Price.
Boston saved their own ace for the final inning of the season. Chris Sale, fueled by a standing ovation from the Boston bullpen, came out for the 9th inning. Sale struck out the side, ending the game and clinching the World Series title for the Boston Red Sox. Nothing made the final out sweeter than seeing Manny Machado foolishly swing at a slider below the belt, and falling to his knees in the process.
Steve Pearce would end up winning the World Series MVP, largely in part due to his 3 home runs in games 4 and 5.
The Red Sox had their best regular season in 2018, going 108-54 and being the top seed going into the playoffs. The Red Sox went on another roll, losing only 3 games in the post season, and running through a gauntlet of teams en route to a Championship.
The Boston Red Sox are poised to repeat in 2019, but we can worry about that when we get there. For now, there’s nothing better to do than enjoy the greatest Red Sox season in franchise history.